“The past few weeks have, without a doubt, been nothing we
have ever experienced before locally and will have a tremendous effect on how
we move forward to re-build our community, heal our members and strategize
about future fire service needs. Sonoma County has always been viewed as
a blessed and protected natural region: rich in culture, unparalleled
beauty, and longstanding history and tradition. Its residents are known
for being accepting, generous and philanthropic. The fires that
began on 10/8/17 and ravaged our local landscape hurt, but did not completely
kill our County’s spirit. Seeing the community pull together has been
nothing but amazing and inspiring. And that includes the out-pouring of
care, concern and goods from outside the area as well. Sonoma County is
special; it will be re-built and the memories that right now seem to be forever
lost will return, given time.

I have nothing but overwhelming praise for the members of
the Rancho Adobe Fire Department during this disaster. Much respect goes
to each and every member who put their life at risk to protect our extended
community, as well as to those who
tirelessly worked our three stations here in our District without reprieve for
days on end. It was beyond an all-hands on deck event, sometime
stretching us painfully thin, and I am very proud of the manner in which you
all conducted yourselves and focused on the community that many of you call
home or grew up in. This fire hit too close to home for many of us; it
was personal. But the collaborative nature in which you all worked
together within the County will only strengthen the bonds we have with our
Regional neighboring agencies. A lot was experienced; there are, as
always, many lessons to be learned. My hope is that we, both as a
Department and a County fire service effort, will grow exponentially from this
event and use what we’ve learned to become even stronger and smarter.